Event: Improving student health: mental and physical wellbeing in university

Guest of Honour: Gregor Henderson, National Lead for Wellbeing and Mental Health, Public Health England

This seminar will explore issues around the rising numbers of students suffering from mental health issues in higher education institutions, and wider aspects of student well-being including sexual health, nutrition, substance abuse and active lifestyles. It comes amid concerns in the sector regarding the rising number of students suffering from mental health issues and – in a report commissioned by HEFCE – a mismatch in the services available for them. Areas for discussion include the current state of student health in the UK and the key challenges facing university health services for improving the quality of and access to mental health services for students – as well as steps universities can take to better identify and react to students in need of support.

Delegates will also consider latest thinking on how to address the causes in the rise in student mental health problems. Further sessions look more widely at ways forward for improving students’ all-round health and well-being in the areas of nutrition and diet, sexual health, and encouraging active lifestyles, as well as tackling alcohol and drug abuse.